Hibs boss: I’ll stay loyal to in-form players

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs today admitted he’s spoiled for choice after a hectic summer of transfer activity – but insisted he’ll stay loyal to the players who produce the goods.

The head coach put the finishing touches to a revamp of his squad by adding Darren McGregor, Islam Feruz, Henri Anier and Jamie Insall as the window drew to a close, insisting he now has “a strong group” which will provide stiff competition for places. But, while conceding he’s now in a position to rotate his squad as many managers do, Stubbs revealed he won’t make changes simply for the sake of it.

He said: “I think it is important for players that when they are doing well they stay in the team. There will be times in the season where they can drop off and need to have a break and then come back again. We have players that will give me the options to do that but I won’t rotate for the sake of it – only if I think it’s the right thing to do.

“I feel we have a good, strong group together. We need competition, lots of options which will stand us in good stead for the season ahead.”

Stubbs recognises that while competition is healthy, there is the danger of those who find themselves out of the team becoming discontent, particularly up front where, when Farid El Alagui is declared fit, he will have seven strikers vying for just two places.

He said: “I think when strikers are scoring goals they are happy, When they are not scoring they are not happy, when they are not in the team they are probably the most miserable bunch of the lot. But I am really comfortable. I have no problems. I like to have choices.”

• Scott Robertson is on the hunt for a club in the UK after ripping up his contract at Romanian side FC Botosani after just three months.

The midfielder, 30, penned a three-year contract following his release by Hibs in June but made just four substitute appearances for the Liga I outfit.